Bizarre Foods Season 9 Episode 9 Northern California

In this episode of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern travels to Northern California to explore the unique culinary culture of the region. Starting in Sonoma County, Zimmern visits a farm that specializes in raising heritage breed pigs. He samples dishes made from different parts of the pig, including the head, which is cooked into a flavorful broth. Next, Zimmern meets a couple who produce their own artisanal cheeses, using milk from their own goats and sheep. He tries a variety of cheeses, including one made from goat's milk that is aged in red wine.

Moving on to the city of Napa, Zimmern visits a Japanese restaurant that specializes in unique ingredients. He tries a dish made with monkfish liver, which has a buttery texture and rich flavor. The chefs also prepare a variety of sushi, including one made with uni, or sea urchin. Zimmern is impressed with the precision and artistry of the sushi preparation.

In Sacramento, Zimmern visits a restaurant that serves creative dishes made with ingredients sourced from local farms. He tries a dish made with grilled octopus, which is cooked to perfection and served with a flavorful sauce made from the octopus ink. Zimmern also tries a dish made with heirloom tomatoes, which are grown in the surrounding area and have a unique flavor profile.

In the Sierra Nevada mountains, Zimmern meets a forager who collects wild mushrooms and other ingredients from the forest. They gather a variety of mushrooms, including porcini and chanterelles, and cook them over an open flame in the forest. The mushrooms are served with a simple sauce made from garlic and olive oil, bringing out the rich earthy flavors of the mushrooms.

Finally, Zimmern visits a farm in the Central Valley that specializes in growing exotic fruits. He tries a variety of fruits, including white sapote, which has a creamy texture and sweet flavor, and jujube, which has a chewy texture and unique taste. Zimmern is impressed with the innovative and sustainable farming practices used by the farmers.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern highlights the importance of supporting local farmers and food producers, and the unique flavors and ingredients that can be found in different regions of the United States. With his adventurous palate and enthusiastic approach, Zimmern shares his love of food and exploration with viewers, encouraging them to try new and different cuisines and experiences.